HPE ProLiant DL380p Gen8 Networking Adapters
Genuine HPE network adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL380p Gen8, new and refurbished. Networking runs through a single FlexibleLOM connector — the QuickSpecs state only one FlexibleLOM can be added to the server, and that it can be changed after the server ships — with PCIe NICs, InfiniBand HCAs and converged adapters in the expansion slots.
DL380p Gen8 Networking Specifications
- FlexibleLOM slot: one dedicated connector; models ship with 4 x 1Gb, 2 x 10Gb SFP+ or 2 x 10Gb BASE-T ports
- FlexibleLOM options: 331FLR and 366FLR at 1GbE; 526FLR-SFP+, 530FLR-SFP+, 533FLR-T, 534FLR-SFP+, 554FLR-SFP+, 560FLR-SFP+, 561FLR-T, 570FLR-SFP+ and 571FLR-SFP+ at 10GbE
- Stand-up PCIe NICs: NC112T, NC365T, 331T, 361T and 332T at 1GbE; NC523SFP, NC552SFP, 530SFP, 530T, 560SFP+, 561T, 570SFP+ and 571SFP+ at 10GbE
- InfiniBand: 4X QDR dual-port HCAs, the FDR/Ethernet 10Gb/40Gb 544QSFP and 544FLR-QSFP, the QDR/Ethernet 544FLR-QSFP and the FDR 545QSFP
- Converged adapters: StoreFabric CN1200E, CN1100R, CN1100E and CN1000Q dual-port CNAs
- Requirements: 2GB of server memory per 10 Gigabit adapter; DAC cables and transceivers are bought separately, and 10Gb Ethernet on the QSFP adapters needs the 655874-B21 adapter
One FlexibleLOM, three PCIe slots. The QuickSpecs state only one FlexibleLOM can be added to the server, and that it can be changed from the original configuration after shipping. Putting your primary fabric there costs no expansion slot and leaves the standard x16, x8 and x4 slots free — the optional riser that adds more needs the second processor.
Which network adapter fits the DL380p Gen8?
| Speed | Media | Form factor | Standard on |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GbE | RJ-45 BASE-T, 2- and 4-port | FlexibleLOM or PCIe | 331FLR on Entry, Base and Energy Star models |
| 10GbE | SFP+ | FlexibleLOM or PCIe | 530FLR-SFP+ on Performance models |
| 10GbE | RJ-45 BASE-T | FlexibleLOM or PCIe | 533FLR-T on 25SFF models |
| QDR / FDR InfiniBand | QSFP | PCIe and FlexibleLOM | An upgrade option, not standard |
| Converged 10Gb | SFP+ | PCIe | An upgrade option, not standard |
Slot budget is the real constraint on a 2U two-socket box. Three PCIe slots come standard — a full-length x16 PCIe 3.0, a half-length x8 PCIe 3.0 and a half-length x4 PCIe 2.0 in an x8 connector — and the optional riser that adds more needs the second processor. Your primary fabric on the FlexibleLOM leaves all three free.
Choosing the Right DL380p Gen8 Network Adapter
- Populate the FlexibleLOM first. It costs no PCIe slot and can be changed after the server ships, so a 10GbE FlexibleLOM is the cheapest route off 1GbE.
- Match media to your fabric. BASE-T parts run on existing copper; SFP+ and QSFP parts need direct attach cables or transceivers, bought separately.
- Budget memory for 10GbE. HPE requires a minimum of two gigabytes of server memory per 10 Gigabit adapter.
- Mind slot 3. It is a PCIe 2.0 x4 link in an x8 connector, hanging off the chipset rather than a processor — the wrong home for a dual-port 10GbE card.
- Mixing vendors is fine. The Broadcom, Intel, Emulex, QLogic and Mellanox based adapters listed here are all HPE-qualified.
Complete Your DL380p Gen8 Build
Finish the platform with DL380p Gen8 memory, drives, storage controllers, processors, and power supplies, or the full DL380p Gen8 parts page. Neighbors: DL380e Gen8 networking adapters, DL360p Gen8 networking adapters and DL380 Gen9 networking adapters. Catalog-wide: HPE parts by server model.
DL380p Gen8 Networking Adapters FAQ
Does the HPE ProLiant DL380p Gen8 have onboard network ports?
It has a FlexibleLOM connector rather than fixed onboard ports. Some models come standard with 4 x 1Gb ports and others with 2 x 10Gb or 2 x 10Gb BASE-T ports. The dedicated 1Gb iLO management port is separate from production networking.
What is a FlexibleLOM and can I change it?
FlexibleLOM is HPE's replaceable network mezzanine for Gen8 servers. The adapter slides into a dedicated connector instead of a PCIe slot, and the QuickSpecs state the options are upgradeable and can be changed after the server ships. Only one FlexibleLOM can be added.
How many PCIe slots does the DL380p Gen8 have for network cards?
Three standard: a full-length x16 PCIe 3.0 slot, a half-length x8 PCIe 3.0 slot, and a half-length x4 PCIe 2.0 slot in an x8 connector. An optional 3-slot riser adds x16, x8 and x8, or a 2-slot riser adds two x16, and the second processor must be installed to use either.
Do DL380p Gen8 10GbE adapters include cables or transceivers?
No. HPE states that direct attach cables for copper environments, or fiber transceivers and cables for fiber-optic environments, must be purchased separately. BASE-T adapters such as the 533FLR-T and 561T connect with standard copper patch cables.
Is there a memory requirement for 10GbE adapters?
Yes. The QuickSpecs note a minimum of two gigabytes of server memory is required per each 10 Gigabit adapter, so plan DIMMs alongside the NIC on a lightly populated server.
Can the DL380p Gen8 run InfiniBand?
Yes. HPE lists 4X QDR dual-port host channel adapters, the FDR/Ethernet 10Gb/40Gb 544QSFP, the FDR 545QSFP, and the 544FLR-QSFP in FlexibleLOM form. Running 10Gb Ethernet on the QSFP adapters requires the QSFP to SFP+ adapter, 655874-B21.
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